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Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.

Your vet may diagnose

Fetlock Arthritis, Osselets

Summary

The fetlock is a high motion joint under tremendous mechanical stress in performance horses. This is particularly true in race horses who commonly suffer disease and injury to this joint, chip fractures, and osteoarthritis. Any injury to this joint usually starts the development of osteoarthritis.

The term "osselets" refers to a specific problem of young race horses in which there is irritation to the front part of the fetlock joint, inflammation and increased joint fluid, and in chronic cases, the development of a bony bump. Rest is the cornerstone to arresting the cycle of arthritis in these horses.

my vet's role

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Treatments May Include

These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.

Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS

As with osteoarthritis in any joint, early treatment and management of predisposing factors allows a better prognosis.

further reading & resources

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP